Bitter Melon

What Is Bitter Melon?

Bitter melon (Momordica charantia) is the warty, longitudinally ridged green fruit of a climbing plant from the gourd family. It originates from Asia and Africa; in Turkey it is grown mostly in and around Hatay.

The fruit is harvested and eaten while still green, even at the very first signs of turning yellow; once fully ripe and yellow-orange, its skin and seeds become toxic and inedible. Its taste is markedly bitter, so it is usually salted and left to rest before cooking.

Nutritional Values of Bitter Melon

100 grams of boiled-and-drained bitter melon contains about 19 kcal of energy, 4.3 g carbohydrate, 2 g fiber, and a notable amount of vitamin C (33 mg); since raw consumption is not common, the values refer to the boiled form.

What Are the Benefits of Bitter Melon?

Bitter melon is a food traditionally consumed in many cuisines across Asia and Africa; it is one of the plants whose effect on blood sugar has drawn curiosity. However, studies have reported that capsule/tablet-form extracts do not significantly lower fasting blood sugar; therefore the claim that it substitutes for medication in diabetes treatment is not accurate.

This information is general; bitter melon is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. Not recommended during pregnancy — it has been linked to risks of bleeding, contractions, and miscarriage. It is also important for those on blood sugar medication not to consume it regularly without consulting their doctor, and to never eat it in excessive amounts or eat the ripe/yellow fruit or its seeds.

How to Choose Bitter Melon?

When choosing bitter melon, fruits with green, firm, glossy skin that have not yet begun to yellow are preferred.

• Dark green ones with firm, smooth, warty skin are fresh.
• Fruits that have started to yellow or soften are overripe — bitterness decreases but toxicity risk increases.
• Bruised fruits with rotten spots should be avoided.

How to Store Bitter Melon?

Bitter melon stays fresh for a few days in the vegetable drawer of the fridge, in a perforated bag. For long storage it can be sliced and dried; dried slices are also brewed as tea in some Asian cuisines.

Using Bitter Melon in the Kitchen

After the seeds are removed and the melon is thinly sliced, it is salted and left to rest for a while; this process reduces most of the bitterness. It is then eaten sautéed, stir-fried, or cooked with eggs.

How to Reduce the Bitterness of Bitter Melon?

Sliced bitter melon is generously salted and left to rest for 20-30 minutes; the liquid released in this time is squeezed out and discarded. Optionally, it can also be briefly boiled and drained before cooking.

How to Make Bitter Melon Tea?

Thinly sliced, dried bitter melon is brewed in boiling water for a few minutes to produce a bitterish herbal tea; it is a common traditional drink in some Asian countries.

What Recipes Is Bitter Melon Used In?

Sautéed bitter melon, bitter melon stir-fry with egg, and dried bitter melon tea are its best-known uses; Far Eastern cuisines also use it in soup and stuffed-vegetable recipes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can bitter melon be eaten during pregnancy?

Not recommended. Bitter melon is stated to be linked to risks of bleeding, contractions, and miscarriage during pregnancy; it is advised not to consume it during pregnancy.

Why is bitter melon bitter?

Compounds similar to cucurbitacin that it contains give the fruit its characteristic bitter taste; this bitterness can be greatly reduced by salting or brief boiling.

Are the skin and seeds of bitter melon edible?

The skin of the green/unripe fruit is edible, but the skin, the red membrane inside, and the seeds of the ripened, yellowed fruit should not be eaten as they can be toxic.

Is bitter melon good for diabetes?

Although bitter melon has traditionally been associated with blood sugar in some cultures, studies have found that capsule/tablet-form extracts do not significantly lower fasting blood sugar. It is important for those on blood sugar medication not to consume it regularly without consulting their doctor.

Where does bitter melon grow?

Originating from Asia and Africa, bitter melon is grown in Turkey mostly in and around Hatay, in warm-climate regions.